I. Breathing and Uphill Walking Techniques
    Coordinating your breathing with your steps is a crucial hiking skill, especially when carrying a heavy load uphill. When starting an ascent, it’s essential to slow your pace and then follow this rule: inhale for one step, exhale for the next. If you find yourself struggling to catch your breath after just a few steps on a steep slope, shorten your stride and continue following the above breathing-and-stepping pattern. If you can hike up a steep slope for 2 or 3 hours without needing to rest or catch your breath, it means you've mastered this breathing technique. Of course, when climbing steeper slopes or carrying heavier backpacks, you may need to take one full inhale and exhale for every tiny step forward. Additionally, remember to breathe deeply and forcefully when inhaling—this not only increases oxygen intake but also improves breath control and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
    II. Rest Step
    With this step technique, ensure that your trailing leg is fully straightened with each upward step. Only by straightening both your thigh and calf can your body weight and forward propulsion be fully supported by your legs, allowing the muscles in your thighs and calves to get some rest. Conversely, if your knees never straighten, your muscles are more likely to become excessively fatigued, and you may even experience cramps in your thighs.
    III. Techniques for Walking on Loose or Rocky Slopes
    When ascending or descending moderately steep loose or rocky slopes, make sure the soles of your shoes are in full contact with the slope’s surface to maximize friction, which will make walking easier and less strenuous. Avoid sidestepping out of fear of falling or using just your toes to dig in—this will only tire you out more. On steeper scree or rocky slopes, you can use the strength of your thighs and calves to press your foot firmly into the slope or create a small platform to step onto before moving upward. When descending, you can use the force of your heel to press into the slope, creating a stable foothold before shifting your weight downward. You can also utilize rocks along the trail to ascend or descend, making the path feel as comfortable as walking on flat ground—an additional practical technique. However, when stepping on rocks, always place your weight over your center of gravity to avoid ankle sprains. With enough practice, you’ll even be able to use rolling stones to move with ease.